Crown Royal – Canuck Shop

Crown Royal, established in 1939, represents a significant chapter in Canadian whisky history. The story began when Samuel Bronfman, president of Seagram’s, created a special whisky to commemorate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth’s historic visit to Canada – the first time reigning British monarchs had toured North America. Produced at the Gimli Distillery in Manitoba, Crown Royal was crafted to embody the finest qualities of Canadian whisky-making traditions.

The whisky’s distinctive presentation, including its crown-shaped bottle and royal purple bag with gold trim, was designed to reflect its regal origins. Initially available only in Canada, Crown Royal wasn’t exported to the United States until 1964. Since then, it has become the top-selling Canadian whisky globally, known for its smooth, complex flavor profile that results from blending over 50 different whiskies aged in both new and reused oak barrels.

The Gimli Distillery, located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, continues to be the primary production facility for Crown Royal. The facility’s location was chosen specifically for its access to the pristine water of Lake Winnipeg and the region’s ideal climate conditions for aging whisky. The distillery employs many local residents and has become an integral part of Manitoba’s economy.

Notable: Crown Royal maintains its status as a symbol of Canadian whisky craftsmanship, even under international ownership. All production remains in Canada, using Canadian grains and water, preserving its authentic Canadian heritage and quality standards.

The brand’s commitment to Canadian production methods and ingredients has helped maintain its reputation as a premium Canadian whisky, despite changes in corporate ownership. Each bottle continues to be wrapped in the signature purple bag, which is still sewn by local craftspeople in Winnipeg, maintaining a tradition that dates back to its royal origins.

Founded: Canada (by Seagram’s)
Owner: Diageo (British multinational company, since 2000)
Manufacturing: Exclusively produced in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada Source

Crown Royal Whisky

Crown Royal Whisky is an iconic Canadian spirit that has become synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship,…read more→